1918 Key Retirees - Pitchers
Babe Adams, Cardinals
Led the NL in WHIP once, K/BB once, BB/9 twice and most HR allowed twice. Finished in the Top 10 in wins five times, ERA four times, WHIP four times, K/BB nine times, BB/9 twelve times, VORP four times, quality start percentage four times and complete games five times.
Red Ames, Giants
Like all Giants starting pitchers of the early 1900's, Ames pitched with some awful defenses behind him. He was a hard luck starting pitcher early in his career. Then he excelled once moved to the bullpen in 1910. He was the 1912 Fireman Award winner in his first season as a closer. He led the NL in saves in 1912 and 1913. He went to four World Series, and was the team's closer in three of them.
Glenn Liebhardt, Indians
Won the 1910 Gold Glove. Finished among the Top 10 in fewest HR/9 three times as a starter. He later finished in the Top 10 in holds twice as a reliever.
Carl Lundgren, Cubs
Named the 1902 NL Rookie of the Year. Was a successful starting pitcher and led the NL in wins, ERA, VORP and quality starts in 1910. He finished in the Top 10 in wins five times, innings five times, walks nine times (twice leading the league), strikeouts six times, ERA five times, HR/9 five times, H/9 five times, K/9 four times, VORP six times, quality starts five times, complete games five times and WAR five times. As a reliever, he would also lead the NL in holds in 1912.
Christy Mathewson, Giants
Like his teammate Ames above, Mathewson was the victim of some awful defensive teams early in his career. I was disappointed that his career did not wind up better than it did. That said, he still won the 1904 Pitcher of the Year award and recorded 241 career wins and 4,034 career strikeouts. He finished in the Top 10 in wins eight times, innings nine times, home runs allowed six times, strikeouts fourteen times, ERA six times, WHIP fourteen times, BB/9 sixteen times, K/9 fourteen times, VORP six times, quality starts eight times, complete games thirteen times and WAR fourteen times. He led the league in several categories, most significantly the eight times he led in NL in K/BB.
Orval Overall, Reds
Finished in the Top 10 in losses seven times, HR allowed five times, and BB allowed six times, but also in strikeouts twelve times, WHIP three times, K/BB six times, H/9 eight times, K/9 twelve times and quality starts three times.
Ed Summers, Tigers
Finished in the Top 10 in wins four times, HR allowed three times and complete games seven times (leading the AL twice).
